Alien Abduction????

[David by Philly]

.... Looks like I was , anyway. Here is my post-surgical chest x-ray. Not sure if I had a heart valve implanted, or same strange alien device. Let me know you you think...

 

[LUVMyBirman]

How on earth did you display your image so clearly? Recalling the first time I noted my mechanical valve on x-ray in the hospital. Pretty interesting.

If you didn't tell us....your valve actually looks mechanical in nature. The outer structure must be artificial? Not familar with that particular valve. Do you require anticoagulation?

All the best to you during recovery and beyond!
This answers my quesion above. Neat technology!
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/valve/pericardialvalvestory.htm

 

[Ross]

That isn't mechanical, thats a tissue valve. Looks like you might have a defective Elk antler implanted there. You guys would really freak if I could show you my Greenfield Filter.

 

[David by Philly]

Hi Gina,

Just a digital photograph of the X-ray, with a little enhanced contrast using Fireworks software (I teach digital photography, video technology, TV broadcasting, and web design at my middle school).

More info on the CE pericardial bovine valve can be found at the link below. This is Edwards "brochure" on the valve (page 3 really explains how it is made) You do need adobe acrobat reader to veiw it (can be found here To download Adobe Acobat Reader, Click Here )


CE Pericardial Bovine Valve Brochure

 

[Gerry Dorrian]

Bow Ties

Bow Ties

David,
I like the set of bow ties in the front. Very dressy.

 

[lcwhitney]

Those "antlers" are probably the stent that gives your valve the shape that they need to implant it. There is one thing for sure none of us can be accused of allowing a radiologist to be bored looking at ordinary clear chest x-rays.

lettitia

 

[David by Philly]

Actually, the "antlers" are part of the wiref ramework which shapes the leaflets. The CE pericardial valve is does not come from the cow heart itself, but rather the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. They cut individual leaflets from the tissue and the shape of the wires, rubber, and dacron used in the valve cause the tissue to form into leaflets of the valve.

From my understanding, the "stent" is the supporting part or the ring, designed to give porcine tissue valves addtional support at the sewing area of the valve.

 

[lcwhitney]

David,

It is really cool to have a valve that was actually shaped out of another part ot the heart itself. Some of the things that are done are just astounding.


Lettitia

 

[LoraW30]

Looks similar to my cath pics!!!! except for the fact that i have pacemaker wires.

 

[ccrawford]

Silly me ! I thought it was a thanksgiving turkey, fully stuffed and wired shut - ready for the oven. Hope the stuffing has oysters !

 

[Granbonny]

Dumb, dumb, question

Dumb, dumb, question

Please forgive me for asking this dumb question..but..do they raise cows and pigs just for their valves?..I know they don't go to a slaughter house and pick up their parts. Is there a lab where they raise fresh cows and pigs ..just for their valves. Am to ask this question. bonnie